Cheryl Maeder

In Cheryl Maeder’s own words: My work is constantly evolving. In the 25 years that I have been a photographer and filmmaker, the changes in my work come from inside of me and my experiences. I grew up in northern New Jersey, the land of shopping malls. Sometimes on weekends my parents would take us to the countryside where I would see cows and horses grazing. This was so magical to me. In my early 20’s, I took off for the Swiss Alps where I finally got to milk the cows! I lived and studied in Switzerland for eight years. Where I expanded my technique and vision of nature and beauty. After eight years in Switzerland, I returned to the United States and opened my photography studio in San Francisco. I photographed for major advertising and fashion campaigns. I transitioned from photographing fashion models to photographing real women. I wanted to celebrate the beauty of women in all shapes and sizes. My photography work became the inspiration for the global Dove Campaign on Real Women, Real Beauty which helped to transform the way women are perceived in the media.